Hostas are one of the world’s most popular plants for foliage landscaping. In being so easy to care for and beautiful to look at it is no wonder they are so well loved.
Preparing the Ground for and Planting Hostas
Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the hosta. Working with rich organic compost work plenty of organic matter into each planting hole until a well draining mixture has been achieved. Plant each young hosta so they do not touch each other as they will grow and fill in on their own. Plant in a site that receives a few hours of morning sun but is shaded for the hottest, sunniest parts of the day as most hostas hate to bake in the sun. A topdressing of good organic mulch is helpful in retaining water and with the additional feeding of each plant.
Water whenever the soil feels dry several inches below the surface. Hostas love water and will appreciate long, deep drinks during particularly hot, dry days. In areas where drought occurs and water conservation is at a high, simply mix in an appropriate amount of silica crystals into the planting hole. The crystals absorb several times their own body weight in water and slowly release it over time as the plants need moisture.
When and What to Feed Hostas
Hostas like being fed fertilizers rich in nitrogen on a regular basis a fertilizer of 10-10-10 should work fine if given a few times a year. Duck, chicken, horse, cow, and various other manures are a very good choice for this purpose as well. Make sure the manure is well aged so the green nitrogen does not burn tender roots. A hosta in need of nitrogen will begin to turn yellow and in general appear sickly.
Dividing and General Upkeep of Hostas
After a few years healthy hostas will multiply pretty rapidly and dividing them will give the grower many more plants for landscaping. To divide hostas wait until the spring when the young shoots are barely poking through the ground. Simply dig the entire clump and use a sharp knife or shovel to remove as many plants and needed.
It can be helpful to dust each division with an antifungal powder before planting. Plant each division as one normally would with store bought hostas. Water in well and feed to give the plants a good head start on the growing season.
Preventing Slugs and Various Other Hosta Pests
Slug damage is best identified by the numerous leaf holes left behind from their feeding.
- Keep hostas well fed to ensure a healthy plant able to withstand the occasional pest onslaught.
- Remove all damaged and dying foliage.
- Allow for good air flow in and around each plant.
- Sprinkle a line of salt around each hosta.
- Bait slugs with beer set out in shallow dishes.
- Hand pick and kill any slugs found on or around the plants.
- Invite slug-eating animals into the garden. Muscovy ducks are a good choice as they seldom harm older plants. Muscovy ducks love slugs and can reduce their numbers quickly and efficiently.
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